Get ready to expand your taste buds as Paraguay welcomes the vibrant colors and flavors of autumn – known in North America as “fall”! Our regular supermarkets will soon be overflowing with typical fall fruits that are now in season, such as apples, citrus fruits, cranberries, figs, kiwis, and pears. These options are great for breakfast, a healthy afternoon snack, a warm fruity dessert, or a flavorful addition to your cocktails.
While fresh fruits in Paraguay can sometimes be pricey, they are most affordable when in season, allowing you to save money while still reaping the benefits of their vitamins and minerals. Now, let’s explore some exotic fruits you can find in Paraguay. Some of these fruits are native to the Amazonian forest, while others have origins in Africa and Asia, brought by ancient travelers. Here’s our guide to the exotic autumn fruits you can find in Paraguay:
1. Persimmons, also known as ‘Caqui Rojo’
This fruit starts to flower by the end of summer and continues to yield fruits throughout autumn and winter, thanks to the sub-tropical climate in Paraguay – which is a major exporter of persimmon fruit to Europe. The farmland is located in Santa Maria de Fe in the Misiones Province, covering a total area of 500 hectares. Persimmons are great additions to leafy green or fruit salads and salsas. They can also be sliced and dried for snack chips.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is the superstar of autumn fruits, rich in vitamin C and abundant in antioxidants. Thought to originate from Afghanistan and Iran, this fruit was introduced to South America by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Pomegranates are highly versatile, used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, and smoothies. They’re filled with sweet, juicy red seeds perfect for making pomegranate margaritas!
3. Yellow Passion Fruit, also known as ‘Mburucuya’
This fruit may disappear during the summer season, but it returns in autumn. Native to the Parana Forest near the border with Misiones Province of Argentina, mburucuya is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It is excellent as fresh juice, fruit salad toppings, and adds an excellent aroma and flavor to cocktails.
4. Chirimoya or Áratikú
Believed to be native to Ecuador and Peru and first recognized by the ancient Inca tribe, this fruit is now grown all over the world. Also known as the custard apple, this green, heart-shaped fruit has a skin reminiscent of an artichoke. While some people mistake it for soursop, áratikú tastes sweeter, less sour, and more creamy. It’s best served as ice cream or yogurt.
5. Yellow Dragon Fruit, also known as ‘Yellow Pitahaya’
For those who don’t enjoy the bland taste of red dragon fruits, the yellow variant offers a sweet, sour, and richer taste – and is more prevalent in South America. It contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut, potentially improving metabolic health. Pitahaya is also anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, making it recommended for people with diabetes as a sweet option with fewer calories.
6. Açaí Berries, also known as Jaboticaba
Native to the Amazon rainforest, Açaí is considered a superfood, loaded with antioxidants and a nutrient-dense profile. This antioxidant activity comes from several plant compounds in acai, including anthocyanins. Acai is incredibly rich in antioxidants, boasting three times the amount found in blueberries. Dessert vendors in Asuncion, Paraguay, serve them in fruit salad, smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream.
7. Loquat, also known as Nispero or Biwa
Bright, golden-yellow Nispero belongs to the Rosaceae (rose) family, like apples, pears, and peaches. Originating from China, it has been grown in Paraguay for more than three centuries, introduced by Spanish settlers. Spain is now the second-largest producer of this fruit after China. The Compendium of Materia Medica, a pre-16th-century book on traditional Chinese medicine, describes loquat’s origin, cultivation methods, and medicinal value. The fruit has been used to treat coughs, bronchitis, diabetes, and inflammation. It can be eaten as is, mixed with fruit salad, topped on yogurt, made into jam, or dried for baking.
8. Starfruit, also known as Carambola
Known worldwide as ‘star fruit’, carambola comes from the averrhoa carambola tree, native to tropical Southeast Asia but easily grown in subtropical climates like Paraguay’s. While the fruit has some health benefits, including beneficial compounds, it’s not suitable for everyone. It contains caromboxin and oxalic acid, harmful if consumed in excess by people with kidney problems.
9. Guava, also known as Guayaba
Native to South America, guava is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. While available year-round, the peak season begins in early autumn. Guava can be enjoyed fresh, as juice, or turned into delicious guava jam. Guava marmalade is also a popular breakfast jam in the countryside.
Where to buy seasonal fruits in Asunción
Whilst Asunción has an abundance of shops and markets where you can find seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, here are four of the main main places to check out:
Mercado 4: Asunción’s largest market sells almost everything, and fruit and veg is no exception. With hundreds of vendors to choose from, you’ll get the best prices if you bargain hard and purchase a slightly larger quantity.
Tuesday Farmers Market at Shopping Mariscal: Every Tuesday from 7am-9pm, representatives of farms from across Paraguay descend on the Mariscal Shopping Mall to sell their produce. Each stall has slightly different produce available, as well as varying prices to match.
Supermarkets: Just like almost everywhere else on the planet, Asunción has a range of supermarkets which of course stock seasonal fruit, along with a wide variety of other products. Usually not the cheapest places to buy fruits, but very convenient.
On the roadside, particularly near traffic lights: Just look around as you drive through the streets of Asunción, and you’re sure to find roadside sellers for all sorts of items, including a variety of foods – and seasonal fruits will be among them!
